Childbirth Educator Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the uterine lining during early pregnancy until the placenta takes over?
- Estrogen
- Progesterone (Correct answer)
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- Oxytocin
Correct answer: Progesterone
Progesterone, initially produced by the corpus luteum, maintains the uterine lining and prevents contractions during early pregnancy.
Question 2: By approximately which week of gestation does the placenta fully take over hormone production from the corpus luteum?
- Week 6
- Week 10 (Correct answer)
- Week 16
- Week 20
Correct answer: Week 10
Around week 10, the placenta has developed sufficiently to take over progesterone and estrogen production from the corpus luteum.
Question 3: What is the term for the softening and increased flexibility of the cervix that occurs during pregnancy?
- Ripening
- Effacement
- Goodell's sign (Correct answer)
- Hegar's sign
Correct answer: Goodell's sign
Goodell's sign refers to the softening of the cervix that occurs in early pregnancy due to increased vascularity and hormonal changes.
Question 4: The increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is approximately what percentage above pre-pregnancy levels?
- 10–15%
- 20–25%
- 40–50% (Correct answer)
- 60–70%
Correct answer: 40–50%
Maternal blood volume increases by approximately 40–50% during pregnancy to meet the demands of the growing fetus and placenta.
Question 5: Which ligament supports the uterus and is commonly the source of round ligament pain during pregnancy?
- Broad ligament
- Round ligament (Correct answer)
- Uterosacral ligament
- Cardinal ligament
Correct answer: Round ligament
The round ligament stretches as the uterus grows, causing sharp, brief pains in the lower abdomen or groin known as round ligament pain.
Question 6: Which of the following correctly describes the function of amniotic fluid?
- Provides nutrition directly to the fetus
- Protects the fetus from infection via antibodies
- Cushions the fetus and maintains temperature (Correct answer)
- Regulates maternal blood pressure
Correct answer: Cushions the fetus and maintains temperature
Amniotic fluid cushions the fetus against physical trauma, maintains a stable temperature, and allows freedom of movement for musculoskeletal development.
Question 7: Relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy, primarily affects which system?
- Cardiovascular system
- Musculoskeletal system (Correct answer)
- Respiratory system
- Renal system
Correct answer: Musculoskeletal system
Relaxin loosens ligaments and joints, particularly in the pelvis, to facilitate fetal passage through the birth canal during labor.
Childbirth Educator Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy 1
Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining the uterine lining during early pregnancy until the placenta takes over?